Death of A Loved One

When Death Feels like a Thief

In the heart of my grief, at my frailest, all I could see was what was no more. I grieved all that was stolen from me by death; love, security and even my very self. Had I known the value of having every pocket of who I was, picked bare by grief, I would not have fought so hard to hold onto it all.

Jean – My Story

Jean talks about isolation and grieving during a pandemic

Matt – Wisdom to pass on

Matt offers advice to his younger self about grief. Matt continues to grieve the death of his birth mother.

Doug M – “Coming to Terms with Sibling Death”

Doug talks about the loss of his brother when he was young and how it effected his fear of loss and separation of his own children. Doug continues to grieve the death of his first wife.

Jessica M – Legacy

Jessica explains legacy and gives examples including her own.

Lyss – Music

Lyss remembers playing music for her mother as she was dying and how music has helped with feelings

The Reflection Room® project: How storytelling supports processing grief

The Reflection Room project is an evidence-based participatory art installation that was developed by researchers at the SE Research Centre and Memorial University in 2016. The project included a research component that evaluated the impact of Reflection Rooms as the project adapted over time to address changing needs.

Adam – Advice

Adam shares his advice about losing and remembering a loved one

Karyn and Aidan – Humour

Karyn and Aidan talk about how they use humour as a connection and a coping tool

Kara – “You change”

Kara discusses evolving, growth and change. Kara continues to grieve the death of her partner.

Jackie – Finger painting and grief

Jackie discusses how finger painting help her with her feelings while she was grieving the loss of her mother and sister

Doodles

On the first anniversary, I invited people who would understand – friends who knew Marshal’s love of art, and his creative spirit. They all came.

I had copied several of Marshal’s doodles of incomplete characters and creatures, with some finished for the kids to color. I eagerly watched to see which doodle or drawing each person chose.